ENT Guidewire Camera Deflector for Lens Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
ENT procedures, such as balloon sinuplasty, face challenges in visualizing narrow and tortuous sinus pathways due to their proximity to sensitive organs, where existing endoscopic solutions are inadequate for clear imaging and fluid management.
Innovation Solution
A guidewire with a deflectable distal end, integrated irrigation tubes, and an imaging assembly enclosure with deflectors to clean the camera lens, along with a magnetic sensor for orientation, allowing for improved visualization and fluid management within the sinuses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a camera is positioned at the distal end of a guidewire to visualize sinus pathways, then imaging capability is improved, but the camera lens becomes contaminated by fluid and debris in the narrow tortuous pathways
Solution Approach 1:
A fluid deflector is introduced as an intermediary component between the irrigation tube and the camera lens. The deflector redirects irrigation fluid away from the lens while allowing the fluid to clean the pathway, thus protecting the lens from contamination while maintaining imaging capability
Solution Approach 2:
The distal end of the guidewire is segmented into functional zones: an imaging assembly with camera, an irrigation assembly with tube and deflector, and a suction assembly. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, with the deflector protecting the camera while irrigation fluid flows through the pathway
2Object-affected harmful factors
If irrigation fluid is ejected to clean the camera lens, then lens cleanliness is improved, but fluid may interfere with imaging or damage sensitive organs nearby
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid deflector serves as a mediator that directs irrigation fluid along a controlled path. It allows fluid to reach the lens for cleaning while preventing uncontrolled spray that could interfere with imaging or reach sensitive organs, thus resolving the contradiction between cleaning and safety
Solution Approach 2:
The deflector creates localized fluid flow patterns tailored to specific needs: fluid is directed precisely where needed for lens cleaning while other areas remain protected. This localized control of fluid quality and direction prevents harmful effects while maintaining cleaning effectiveness
3Adaptability or versatility
If the guidewire is made flexible to navigate tortuous sinus pathways, then accessibility is improved, but precision in positioning and orientation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The guidewire employs a dynamic structure with flexible segments that can adapt to tortuous pathways while maintaining positional control. The wire construction allows controlled deflection and bending, enabling the distal end to reach difficult locations while the proximal end remains stable for precise manipulation and positioning
Solution Approach 2:
A magnetic sensor is integrated into the imaging assembly to replace purely mechanical positioning methods. The magnetic field detection provides precise orientation and location data, compensating for the flexibility of the guidewire and enabling accurate positioning even as the wire navigates complex pathways
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables clear visualization of sinus regions by effectively cleaning the camera lens and providing precise orientation, enhancing the ability to perform ENT procedures like balloon sinuplasty with improved accuracy and safety.
Implementation Method 1
respective deflectors for each of the one or more irrigation tubes, fixedly attached to and positioned at a distal end of the enclosure so as to deflect fluid, ejected from the one or more irrigation tubes, to pass over the camera distal face so as to clean the face
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic sensor, mounted in the imaging assembly enclosure, that is configured to provide an indication of a location and an orientation of the imaging assembly enclosure in response to a magnetic field traversing the sensor
Data Source
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Figure 3
AI summary
Apparatus, consisting of a guidewire having a proximal end and a distal end which is deflectable. There is at least one wire within the guidewire that is fixed to the distal end. There are also one or more irrigation tubes within the guidewire. The apparatus has an imaging assembly enclosure, fixed to the distal end, that includes a camera, having a distal face, fixedly mounted within the enclosure, and respective deflectors for each of the one or more irrigation tubes, fixedly attached to and positioned at a distal end of the enclosure so as to deflect fluid, ejected from the one or more irrigation tubes, to pass over the camera distal face so as to clean the face. Applying tension, at the guidewire proximal end, on the at least one wire deflects the guidewire distal end, the imaging assembly enclosure attached thereto, and the camera in the enclosure.